CHESHIRE detectives are hunting a vicious gang who hijacked an HGV and beat the driver with an iron bar before dumping him by the side of the road.

The driver was left with facial injuries after being attacked by three men as he took a break at a motorway service station. He was held by the gang and later released at a junction 15 miles away.

The robbery took place at Burtonwood services on the westbound side of the M62 close to Warrington and the driver was later found dumped at junction 4 of the M57 near Kirkby.

A police spokesman said: "The driver was subjected to an attack by three males who hijacked the driver and his truck.

"He sustained facial injuries which required treatment and he was later dumped."

The incident took place at about 10:30pm on Saturday 12 while the driver was parked up with a trailer full of shampoo, he was resting in the cab when he was attacked by three men armed with an iron bar.

He was later treated for his injuries which are not said to be serious at Fazakerley Hospital in Merseyside.

The truck, minus the trailer, was later found burnt out in Southport.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact Jackie Daniels or Ian Murray on 01244 613845 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Officers say they are looking into possible links with a similar incident at the same service station several days before the attack.

In the earlier incident, a gang of men posing as Customs officials attempted to drag the driver out of his cab but drove away after he refused to budge.